Game apparatus



T. J. MURRAY GAME APPARATUS June 2, 1933.

Filed April 3, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet l T. J. MURRAY GAME APPARATUS jQm-m, 1933,

Fin K INVENTOR. Timu fh J Mum-a1 ATT Patented June 26, 1933 UNITED STATES TIMOTHY J. TJIURR 55', OF COVINGTON, INDIANA GAME APPARATUS Application filed April 3, 1931.

The present invention relates to game apparatus and the primary object of the invention is to provide a form of game apparatus providing an outdoor sport which in some respects is similar to the game of golf and may be played over a course similar to that of a golf course.

A further object of the invention is to provide a ball casting device wherein the ball is snapped or Whipped into flight with such force as to cause the ball to travel for a distance considerably greater than could ordinarily be thrown by the average person.

A further object resides in the novel arrangement whereby the degree of frictional gripping action for holding the ball upon the casting device may be varied to suit the user and also the distance of the particular target or goal from the casting point.

A further object resides in the novel arrangement whereby the casting device is quickly and easily altered to suit varying conditions such as distances between goals and wear to the ball.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of this speci cation and in which drawings:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of the game device.

Figure 2 is an enlarged side elevation 0 showing a preferred form of tip for the cast ing rod.

Figure 3 is a section on the line 33 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the ball receiving perch or holder.

Figure 5 is a sectional view showing the ball applied so as to easily release itself from the holder.

Figure 6 is a sectional view thru the ball shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5.

Figure 7 is a sectional View thru a modified form of tip.

Figure 8 is a section thru a modified form of ball showing a square socket provided in the ball.

Serial No. 527,579.

Figure 9 is an enlarged top plan view of the pin or peg as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a section thru a further modified form of tip and showing a further form of ball wherein the opening is formed entire- 1y thru the ball. v

Figure 11 is an enlarged end View of the peg shown in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a section through a further modified form of ball showing openings extended entirely through the ball at right angles to one another.

In the drawings, like reference characters design ate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Referring particularly to Figures 1 to 6 inclusive of the drawings the device comprises a whip or casting rod A provided at its smaller or tip end with a perch or holder B for releasably receiving with a frictional grip a ball or other game piece C adapted to be snapped into flight through a whipping action of the rod A.

The whip or casting rod A while preferably made in one length of metal, either solid. or hollow, it may be a jointed or sectional rod and may be made of wood, cane or any other suitable material providing a pliant or flexible rod similar to a fishing rod and having an inherent tendency to assume a straight condition. The rod is formed relatively slender and is tapered throughout its length from the handle or hand grip 5 at the butt end of the rod to the smaller or holder carrying end of the rod.

The smaller or outer end of the rod is provided with a coupling tip 6 permitting ready attaching and detaching of the perch or ball holder B and embodying a tubular coupling sleeve 7 which is internally screw threaded throughout its length for threaded connection upon the threaded outer end portion 8 of the casting rod. The coupling sleeve 7 is threaded upon the rod portion 8 for about one-half of the length of the sleeve and has threaded into its outer end a coupling st-ud or pin 9 which is threaded throughout its length and has a substantial portion of its length extending beyond the sleeve when the stud is threaded into abutting engagement made of metal and being of slightly less than hemispherical shape in formation. Provided axially in the base portion of the socket is a tubular nipple or extension 13 which is internally screw threaded for threaded reception of the coupling extension 9 of the stud 9. The outer end of the sleeve 7 forms an annular shoulder about the stud 9 against which the nipple 13 abuts for securing the ball socket in axial alignment with the coupling tip 6. As will be observed in Figure 3,

the coupling extension 9 projects through the nipple 13 axially into the ball receiving pocket formed by the socket 12. Arranged in annular formation upon the bottom or convex side of the ball socket 12, concentric to the nipple 13, is a series of spaced apart projections or bosses 15 each having an outwardly opening threaded socket for removably receiving a puncture pin 16 provided with a threaded head portion 17 which is adapted. to be screwed into the socket of the boss. These puncture pins 16 which are of cylindrical shape and of even diameter throughout their length, are provided with sharp pointed ends for penetrating the ball C to various degrees when placed in the socket 12. These pins 16 are to assist in holding the ball in the socket and are arranged with their axes in parallel relation and parallel to the axis of the nipple 13.

Adapted for threaded connection upon the coupling extension 9 of the stud 9 is a retaining or grip peg 20 of cylindrical shape and provided at its inner end with a threaded socket 21 for threaded reception of the ex-- tension 9. The grip peg 20 is of even diam eter throughout its length and when turned into engagement with the face of the socket 12 has its outer end projecting beyond the open side of the socket. The grip pig 20 is thus connected in axial alignment with the rod A and in parallel relation to the annular series of puncture pins 16. 7

The ball C for placing in the holder B is preferably formed of fabricated rubber and of a diameter to snugly fit in the ball socket 12. The ball C is provided with a diametrically disposed socket 22 having its inner end extending for a short distance beyond the center of the ball. This plain round socket 22 is of a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the grip'peg 20 so that when the ball is placed over the peg, the ball will frictionally grip the peg with sufficient gripping action as to prevent ready displacement of the ball. As the ball is forced on the grip peg, the puncture pins 16 will penetrate the ball and provide additional holding means for the ball. The puncture pins 16 will also prevent any rotation of the ball about the peg 20. In Figure 3, the ball is forced for its fullest extent into the ball socket 12 and in this position the maximum gripping action of the pins 16 and peg 20 upon the ball is provided. In Figure 5, a lesser degree of 5 frictional gripping action upon the ball is had by forcing the ball for a less degree upon the pins 16 and peg 20. In the showing in Figure 5, less force will be required for freeing the ball from the holder.

Referring now to Figures 7, 8 and 9, the coupling tip 6 for connecting the perch or holder B to the threaded outer end portion 8 of the casting rod A is formed of one piece and is provided at one end with a coupling portion 2 1 for threaded connection with the rod portion 8. Provided at the outer end of the coupling portion 24: is the reduced threaded stud portion providing a coupling extension 25 axially aligned with the coupling portion 24. The perch or holder B comprises a ball. socket 12 of slightly less than semi-spherical shape in formation and provided axially in its base portion with a tubular nipple or extension. 26 which is ina ternally screw threaded for threaded reccption of the coupling extension 25. Arranged in annular formation upon the bottom or convex side of the ball socket 12 concentric to the nipple 26 is a series of spaced apart projections or bosses 27 having openings therethrough for receiving the head portions 28 of cylindrical puncture pins 29 which project into the ball socket in parallel relation to the axis of the nipple 26. The head portions 28 are threaded at their outer ends for receiving suitable nuts 30 serving to retain the puncture pins in position.

Adapted for threaded connection upon the coupling extension 25 is a retaining or grip peg 31 being square in cross section and provided at its inner end with a threaded socket 32 for threaded reception of the extension 25.. The peg 31 when threaded into engagement with the base of the ball socket 12 extends in axial alignment with the rod A and in parallel relation to the pins 29.

The ball B has the socket 33 thereof square shape in cross section to conform to the shape of the peg 31. The size of the socket 33 is such as to cause the ball to frictionally engage the peg 31 when placed thereon.

.Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the coupling tip 35 is provided with a plain sleeve portion 36 in which the end portion 8 of the casting rod A is secured as by soldering or welding. At the outer end of the sleeve portion 36 is a reduced screw threaded coupling extension 37 for threaded reception of the perch or holder B. The perch or holder shown in Figure 10 is of similar construction as that shown in Figures 2 to 5 inclusive and like reference characters have been used. Adapted for threaded connection upon the coupling extension 37 is a retaining or grip peg 40 having a threaded socket 41 at its inner end for threaded reception of the extension 37. The peg 40 is of even diameter throughout its length and is longitudinally furl-owed or fluted as at 42 for reducing the area of contact of the peg with the wall of a circular hole 44 formed diametrically thru the ball D. As will be observed in Figure 10, the circular hole ll extends entirely thru the ball and permits of a ball being placed upon the grip peg in two positions by inserting the peg into either end of the hole.

In Figure 12, the ball E is shown provided with two circular peg receiving holes 45 and 4-6 which extend clear thru the ball in right angular relation and intersect at the center of the ball. The openings 45 and 46 extend diametrically thru the ball and provide four grip peg receiving sockets permitting the ball to be placed upon the ball holder in any one of four positions.

By providing two or more peg receiving openings in the ball, permits of greater use of the ball by allowing different openings to be used after one has become worn to an extent that insullicient gripping action is formed about the peg. This arrangement also permits of quick placing of the ball upon the base because of the number of positions in which the ball may be inserted over the peg.

In use, the player places the ball over the grip peg for any desired extent to provide the desired amount of gripping action of the peg and puncture pins upon the ball suflicient to prevent release of the ball during the casting stroke. The player then faces the target or goal at which the ball is to be cast and swings the rod first rearwardly and then forwardly with a whipping motion and snaps the ball into flight with a force considerably greater than could be accomplished by use of ones arm. If the target or goal is relatively close, and an easy release of the ball is desired, the ball is placed in the holder in a position as shown in Figure 5 so that the ball is held by a minimum amount of friction. If the flight of the ball is to be for a considerable distance and more power is required for casting the ball, the ball may be fully inserted upon the grip peg and puncture pins as shown in Figures 3, 7 and 10 so that a greater gripping action upon the ball will be had by the peg and puncture pins.

vVhile it is preferred that a ball provided with a round socket be used with a round grip peg the same may be used on a square form of peg as shown in Figure 7 for producing the desired gripping action of the peg upon the ball. By having the grip pegs removable also allows for ready interchanging of different types of pegs.

While the len th of the casting rod and di 6 e e a n ameter of the ball may be varied, in a practical form of the invention the casting rod may novel type of game apparatus has been pro- 1 vided whereby a ame somewhat similar to the game of golf may be played over a course similar to that of a golf course. It will also be apparent that a novel arrangement has been provided whereby good judgment upon the part of the player is required for proper placing of the balls upon the holder, as well as the exercise of skill in handling the casting rod for obtaining distance and proper direction of flight of the ball.

Changes in detail may be made to the forms of invention herein shown and described, without departing from the spirit of the invention or tr e scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In game apparatus the combination of a flexible casting rod, a holder carried by the outer end of the rod, a ball, and means for frictionally retaining the ball in the holder and permitting release thereof thru a whip cracking motion of the casting rod.

2. In game apparatus the combination of a flexible casting rod, a holder carried by the outer end of the rod and including a ball socket opening in a direction in alignment with the end of the rod, a ball, and means frictionally and releasably retaining the ball in the socket.

In game apparatus the combination of a flexible casting red, a holder carried by the outer end of the rod including a ball socket and gripping members extending into the socket in parallel relation, and a ball fitting in the socket into frictional contact with the gripping members and releasable therefrom thru a whip cracking motion of the casting rod.

4. In game apparatus the combination of a flexible casting rod being tapered throughout its length, a ball socket at the tapered end of the rod, a grip pegprojecting into the socket, and a ball having a socket frictionally receiving the peg for releasably retaining the ball in the ball socket.

5. In game apparatus the combination of a slender, tapering casting rod, a ball socket secured to the tapered end of the rod, a grip peg projecting centrally into the socket, a ball having the grip peg, and pins carried by the ball socket and engageable with the ball for preventing rotation of the ball about the grip peg.

6. In game apparatus the combination of a socket frictionall receiving l a slender, tapering casting rod, a ball socket secured to the tapered end of the rod, a grip peg projecting centrally into the socket in axial alignment with the rod, a ball having an expansible socket frictionally receiving the grip peg, and a series of pins projecting into the ball socket about the grip peg for piercing the ball when placed on the grip peg.

7. In game apparatus the combination of a flexible casting rod, a ball socket detachably secured to the outer end of the rod, a grip peg projecting axially into the socket in longitudinal alignment with the rod, a ball having a socket for frictionally receiving the grip peg, and a series of puncture pins in the ball socket about the grip peg for piercing the ball, said pins being of a length less than that of the grip peg.

8. In a ball casting device the combination of a casting rod, a tip secured to the outer end of the rod, a ball socket detachably secured to the tip, a grip peg detachably secured to the tip and projecting axially into the ball socket, a ball having a socket for frictionally receiving the grip peg, and puncture pins carried by the ball socket in parallel relation to the grip peg.

9. In a ball casting device the combination of a casting rod, a coupling tip secured to the outer end of the rod and embodying a threaded coupling extension, a ball socket for threaded connection with the coupling extension, a grip peg threaded on the end of the extension and projecting axially into the ball socket, and a fabricated rubber ball having a socket for frictionally receiving the grip peg.

10. In a ball casting device the combination of a casting rod, a coupling tip secured to the outer end of the rod and embodying a threaded coupling extension, a ball socket having an axially disposed nipple for threading on the coupling extension with the extension projecting into the ball socket, a grip peg having a socket at one end for threading on the end of the coupling extension, and a ball having a socket for frictionally receiving the grip peg.

11. In a ball casting device the combina tion of a casting rod, a coupling tip secured to the outer end of the rod and embodying a threaded coupling extension, a ball socket having an axially disposed nipple for threading on the coupling extension, a grip peg having a socket at one end for threading on the end of the coupling extension to project axially into the ball socket, a series of removable puncture pins arranged in the ball socket in parallel relation about the grip peg, and a ball having a socket for frictionally receiving the grip peg, said ball to be pierced by the puncture pins.

12. In a ball casting device the combination of a casting rod, a ball socket secured to the outer end of the rod and having a threadedcoupling extension projecting axially into the ball socket, a cylindrical grip peg fitted at one end on the coupling extension, and a ball of yieldable material having a cylindrical socket for frictionally receiving the grip peg.

13. In a ball casting device the combination of a casting rod, a ball socket secured to the outer end of the rod and having a thread ed coupling extension projecting axially into the socket, a grip peg of even diameter throughout its length, having threaded connection at one end with the coupling extension, puncture pins extending into the socket in parallel relation to the grip peg, and a yieldable ball having a socket for frictionally receiving the grip peg.

14. In a ball casting device, the combination of a casting rod, a ball socket provided at the outer end of the rod and having a threaded coupling extension projecting axially into the ball socket, a longitudinally ribbed grip peg having threaded connection at one end with the coupling extension, and a ball having an opening axially therethrough for positioning over the grip peg in frictional engagement therewith.

15. In a ball casting device the coinbination of a casting rod, a ball socket secured to the outer end of the rod and having a coupling extension projecting axially into the ball socket, a grip peg'of polygonal shape in cross section having threaded connection at one end upon the coupling extension, and a ball having a socket for frictionally receiving the grip peg.

TIMOTHY J. MURRAY. 

